Song of the day:
We lost Frank two weeks ago. In some ways it seems like yesterday; in others it seems like another lifetime. It’s been a little over a week since we held his memorial service and a week since I flew home. Time seems exceptionally strange right now.
Despite the circumstances, it was nice to see family and friends for Frank’s memorial service, and was especially nice to enjoy a lunch with a few of them afterward.
I’ve been trying to catch up from being away, both at home and at work. My house is an absolute disaster, but the laundry is done and put away so that’s something. I’ll never fully catch up at work, but I’m getting a little done each day. We had a team lunch yesterday, which was nice. One of my employees is pregnant, which is great, but she’s also leaving us, which is not as great. Happy for her; sad for us. Still, it was nice to enjoy time away from the office and thank my staff for all they do, especially all they’ve done this year when I’ve had to be unexpectedly out of the office. They really are the best.
The weather has been amazing here this week, which has been nice. I worked outside Monday afternoon and hope to do the same today, though maybe in the morning before it gets too hot. It’s supposed to hit 87 today, which is not outdoor working weather. But this morning might be perfect.
#FridayReads (on a Thursday)
Recently Finished:
Halfway to You by Jennifer Gold - Finished this a few weeks ago. It was a bit long but overall an interesting story told from different viewpoints and timelines. A podcast producer is sent to interview a reclusive author - one of her favorite writers - and through their interview they discover how their lives are forever linked. I think this was a free Amazon First Reads book at some point, but I would definitely recommend it.
The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph - Excellent book! I started this a while back but finally picked it up to finish. This is a great read for everyone, but especially for people who look like me. Fred is a phenomenal storyteller, and I promise you will learn a lot. There’s even an encyclopedia and a playlist included! Get a copy today!! You should also check out his Substack.
We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza - I loved this book, even when it made me angry. The story is centered around the shooting of a young Black boy by a white police officer - sound familiar? Two best friends - one Black, one white - tell the story in a unique way, the two voices going back and forth from chapter to chapter. We see the impact on their friendship, what they haven’t been saying their whole lives, and how they start work through it. The writing is excellent, and the story is timely. Again, everyone who looks like me should read this book.
Currently Reading:
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner - This is a memoir of the musician known as Japanese Breakfast. I saw her talk about the book on the Kelly Clarkson show a while back but only recently picked up a copy. She wrote this after her mother passed, and it’s really good so far…funny and touching and educational. I’m learning a lot about Korean culture. I definitely recommend grabbing a copy for yourself.
Video of the day:
New Disney movie looks good!
Have a great weekend, everyone, and if you have any extra motivation for cleaning house lying around, please send it my way.
Glad you are doing well at home now